This property was impacted by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. The 151-room, four-pearl Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa is a secluded gem on the northern coast of St. Croix. With a wide, private beach that doesn’t ever feel crowded, landscaped tropical grounds, a large swimming pool, and breezy, modern rooms with classic Caribbean touches, this is an upscale getaway from the crowds in other parts of the island. The remoteness does have its downsides: Anyone wanting an alternative from the hotel’s pricey on-site restaurant will have to drive 35 minutes to reach downtown Christiansted, or trek to one of the few nearby options by car. Those looking for a livelier scene should consider the equally chic Buccaneer Hotel, only an eight-minute drive from Christiansted's waterfront shops and restaurants.
This property was impacted by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. The 151-room, four-pearl Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa is a secluded gem on the northern coast of St. Croix. With a wide, private beach that doesn’t ever feel crowded, landscaped tropical grounds, a large swimming pool, and breezy, modern rooms with classic Caribbean touches, this is an upscale getaway from the crowds in other parts of the island. The remoteness does have its downsides: Anyone wanting an alternative from the hotel’s pricey on-site restaurant will have to drive 35 minutes to reach downtown Christiansted, or trek to one of the few nearby options by car. Those looking for a livelier scene should consider the equally chic Buccaneer Hotel, only an eight-minute drive from Christiansted's waterfront shops and restaurants.
At first glance, the two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel on the Cay sounds idyllic -- it's on its own private island just minutes from downtown Christiansted. The concept is charming, but this is a simple, outdated hotel. The 53 rooms are lifted straight out of the '90s, though they are large and most have lovely views of the harbor. There is a wide and sandy beach on the island, but the on-site pool and water features throughout are unattractive. This is one of the few hotels that does not require a car to access Christiansted tourist sites and restaurants, unlike the Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina. It’s also one of the cheaper places to stay in St. Croix, making it a decent option for tourists on a budget.
At first glance, the two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel on the Cay sounds idyllic -- it's on its own private island just minutes from downtown Christiansted. The concept is charming, but this is a simple, outdated hotel. The 53 rooms are lifted straight out of the '90s, though they are large and most have lovely views of the harbor. There is a wide and sandy beach on the island, but the on-site pool and water features throughout are unattractive. This is one of the few hotels that does not require a car to access Christiansted tourist sites and restaurants, unlike the Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina. It’s also one of the cheaper places to stay in St. Croix, making it a decent option for tourists on a budget.
The Buccaneer, a four-pearl resort that's a short drive outside of Christiansted, is one of St. Croix's most attractive large-scale resorts. Stunning views all around, a golf course, a spa, two pools, three beaches, and three restaurants (not to mention plenty of on-site activities) make for a truly lavish stay. All 138 guest rooms are large, and many have stunning wood ceilings and handsome tropical details, but some are more contemporary than others. The features at the Buccaneer are matched by the Renaissance Carambola Resort, but location makes the crucial difference here; the secluded, jungle setting of the Renaissance might prove a more romantic setting for honeymooners.
The Buccaneer, a four-pearl resort that's a short drive outside of Christiansted, is one of St. Croix's most attractive large-scale resorts. Stunning views all around, a golf course, a spa, two pools, three beaches, and three restaurants (not to mention plenty of on-site activities) make for a truly lavish stay. All 138 guest rooms are large, and many have stunning wood ceilings and handsome tropical details, but some are more contemporary than others. The features at the Buccaneer are matched by the Renaissance Carambola Resort, but location makes the crucial difference here; the secluded, jungle setting of the Renaissance might prove a more romantic setting for honeymooners.
Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina is a simple, three-pearl resort with a relaxed island vibe that's a 10-minute drive outside of Christiansted. The 40 rooms are basic and a bit dated, but large and clean, and offer lovely views of the water from balconies or terraces. Guests have access to some of the best snorkeling on St. Croix, though this comes at the expense of a swimmable beach (it's very rocky and not the nicest we've seen on the island), and snorkeling gear is free for guest use. The resort also has two casual on-site restaurants, rotating nightly entertainment, a beachside lap pool, a humble spa, as well as a marina that provides easy access to Buck Island boat tours. Rates are comparable to Palms at the Pelican Cove, though that resort features a sandy beach for both swimming and snorkeling.
Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina is a simple, three-pearl resort with a relaxed island vibe that's a 10-minute drive outside of Christiansted. The 40 rooms are basic and a bit dated, but large and clean, and offer lovely views of the water from balconies or terraces. Guests have access to some of the best snorkeling on St. Croix, though this comes at the expense of a swimmable beach (it's very rocky and not the nicest we've seen on the island), and snorkeling gear is free for guest use. The resort also has two casual on-site restaurants, rotating nightly entertainment, a beachside lap pool, a humble spa, as well as a marina that provides easy access to Buck Island boat tours. Rates are comparable to Palms at the Pelican Cove, though that resort features a sandy beach for both swimming and snorkeling.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Palms at Pelican Cove is a relaxed beach resort that doesn’t pretend to be what it isn’t -- that is, a big luxury hotel. Instead, the draw here is a family-friendly setting that reflects the island's easygoing vibe. There's a sandy, Blue Flag beach with excellent conditions for snorkeling and free gear to borrow. 40 spacious and clean rooms and suites have balconies and some views of the ocean. Palms Restaurant also overlooks the ocean, but breakfast costs extra. It's about a 12-minute drive to the city center of Christiansted, and there's weekly entertainment, like fire dancers, at the hotel's restaurant.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Palms at Pelican Cove is a relaxed beach resort that doesn’t pretend to be what it isn’t -- that is, a big luxury hotel. Instead, the draw here is a family-friendly setting that reflects the island's easygoing vibe. There's a sandy, Blue Flag beach with excellent conditions for snorkeling and free gear to borrow. 40 spacious and clean rooms and suites have balconies and some views of the ocean. Palms Restaurant also overlooks the ocean, but breakfast costs extra. It's about a 12-minute drive to the city center of Christiansted, and there's weekly entertainment, like fire dancers, at the hotel's restaurant.
Chenay Bay spans 31 acres, and the three-and-a-half-pearl resort still feels quite cozy and simple—it’s a pleasant beach-front resort for families and couples looking for a private getaway. Some of the 50 rooms are clearly in need of renovation, however, so it might be worthwhile to upgrade. The breezy on-site restaurant and bar is great for lunch and dinner with a stunning ocean view, but the free breakfast is paltry. The resort’s winding semi-private beach is the shining highlight—shallow and pleasant for swimming and long enough for a brief stroll. Nearby Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina, has many of the same facilities but better on-site snorkeling.
Chenay Bay spans 31 acres, and the three-and-a-half-pearl resort still feels quite cozy and simple—it’s a pleasant beach-front resort for families and couples looking for a private getaway. Some of the 50 rooms are clearly in need of renovation, however, so it might be worthwhile to upgrade. The breezy on-site restaurant and bar is great for lunch and dinner with a stunning ocean view, but the free breakfast is paltry. The resort’s winding semi-private beach is the shining highlight—shallow and pleasant for swimming and long enough for a brief stroll. Nearby Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina, has many of the same facilities but better on-site snorkeling.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Cottages by the Sea is a simple, family-owned property for guests in search of a low-key island escape in St. Croix. It’s mostly popular among returning long-term guests, though there isn't much on offer here besides a stunning beach, peace, and quiet. The 27 rooms are charming and homey, and most feature full kitchens and water views, making them a solid choice for a relaxing, independent, and private beach vacation. Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel is right next door and while it’s a pricier stay, their on-site pool and bar makes for a livelier atmosphere.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Cottages by the Sea is a simple, family-owned property for guests in search of a low-key island escape in St. Croix. It’s mostly popular among returning long-term guests, though there isn't much on offer here besides a stunning beach, peace, and quiet. The 27 rooms are charming and homey, and most feature full kitchens and water views, making them a solid choice for a relaxing, independent, and private beach vacation. Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel is right next door and while it’s a pricier stay, their on-site pool and bar makes for a livelier atmosphere.
The three-pearl Sand Castle on the Beach hotel is a lovely boutique alternative to the big resorts on the eastern side of St. Croix. The delicious restaurant, stunning beach, and easygoing vibe make this a pleasant choice for families and travelers looking for an affordable beach vacation. The rooms are a bit dated, and some lack privacy and natural light, but all are spacious and a few offer views of the pool and beach. Nice extras include a free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and kayaks. Rates are comparable to Palms at Pelican Cove, where rooms are more private and the grounds are lush and expansive.
The three-pearl Sand Castle on the Beach hotel is a lovely boutique alternative to the big resorts on the eastern side of St. Croix. The delicious restaurant, stunning beach, and easygoing vibe make this a pleasant choice for families and travelers looking for an affordable beach vacation. The rooms are a bit dated, and some lack privacy and natural light, but all are spacious and a few offer views of the pool and beach. Nice extras include a free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and kayaks. Rates are comparable to Palms at Pelican Cove, where rooms are more private and the grounds are lush and expansive.
This property has partially reopened following significant damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. White Bay Beach Villas is the only hotel on Jost Van Dyke not attached to a bar. For this reason, it earns our marks for being the most family-friendly as well as the most romantic hotel on the island. This being said, don’t expect a full-fledged resort — the mid-range White Bay Beach Villas doesn’t have any communal amenities, like a pool, spa, fitness center, or restaurant. But for guests seeking apartment-style rentals on Jost Van Dyke, White Bay is a solid option. The 10 rooms are scattered across the hilly property, and have large front porches and full kitchens. The beach, Jost’s famed White Bay, is a real stunner, with sugar white sand and crystal clear waters. The only problem is that guests have to walk down a steep, hilly path in order to reach it. Travelers looking for beachfront accommodations should check out The Sandcastle Hotel, though it’s not family-friendly. Those who don’t have their heart set on visiting Jost might prefer Concordia Eco-Studios, a similar property with a lot more amenities, on nearby St. John.
This property has partially reopened following significant damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. White Bay Beach Villas is the only hotel on Jost Van Dyke not attached to a bar. For this reason, it earns our marks for being the most family-friendly as well as the most romantic hotel on the island. This being said, don’t expect a full-fledged resort — the mid-range White Bay Beach Villas doesn’t have any communal amenities, like a pool, spa, fitness center, or restaurant. But for guests seeking apartment-style rentals on Jost Van Dyke, White Bay is a solid option. The 10 rooms are scattered across the hilly property, and have large front porches and full kitchens. The beach, Jost’s famed White Bay, is a real stunner, with sugar white sand and crystal clear waters. The only problem is that guests have to walk down a steep, hilly path in order to reach it. Travelers looking for beachfront accommodations should check out The Sandcastle Hotel, though it’s not family-friendly. Those who don’t have their heart set on visiting Jost might prefer Concordia Eco-Studios, a similar property with a lot more amenities, on nearby St. John.
Sandcastle Hotel sustained significant damage during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed for repairs. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. This mid-range hotel is attached to Jost Van Dyke’s famed Soggy Dollar Bar. An institution on the island since the 1970s, the Soggy Dollar Bar is the purported home of the original Painkiller, a popular Caribbean drink made with dark rum. The Sandcastle Hotel, a later addition to the bar, has six simple rooms right on the beach. Hotel guests have accesses to a private section of the beach, but are otherwise treated no differently than the hordes of daytime bar-goers. Besides a casual restaurant, there aren’t really any traditional hotel amenities here, so don’t expect a pool, spa, or workout facility. Jost Van Dyke doesn’t have many overnight accommodations, but guests looking for something a bit more “upscale” (we use this word lightly) might prefer nearby White Bay Villas & Seaside Cottages.
Sandcastle Hotel sustained significant damage during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed for repairs. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. This mid-range hotel is attached to Jost Van Dyke’s famed Soggy Dollar Bar. An institution on the island since the 1970s, the Soggy Dollar Bar is the purported home of the original Painkiller, a popular Caribbean drink made with dark rum. The Sandcastle Hotel, a later addition to the bar, has six simple rooms right on the beach. Hotel guests have accesses to a private section of the beach, but are otherwise treated no differently than the hordes of daytime bar-goers. Besides a casual restaurant, there aren’t really any traditional hotel amenities here, so don’t expect a pool, spa, or workout facility. Jost Van Dyke doesn’t have many overnight accommodations, but guests looking for something a bit more “upscale” (we use this word lightly) might prefer nearby White Bay Villas & Seaside Cottages.